Coastal Trail: Skunk Cabbage Section

The Coastal Trail: Skunk Cabbage Section is a 5.25-mile point-to-point walk, from the Skunk Cabbage Trailhead off Highway 101 to Davison Road beyond the Gold Bluffs Beach entrance station. Expect a moderate hike with steep grades and switchbacks; allow about three to four hours. Arrange a pickup at the far end, or turn around and make it roughly 10.5 miles. A shorter 2.8-mile creek-bridge out-and-back uses the south trailhead but is a separate walk.

From the highway, the trail enters dense young regrowth, then passes into a shaded creek forest with redwoods, Sitka spruce, western hemlock, big-leaf maple and ferns. Look for the large old spruce stumps along the route; Sitka spruce was used to build aircraft during World War II. Tightly growing second-growth trees close parts of the view, then the forest opens as the trail climbs.

The route climbs out of the creek drainage across grassy hillsides and wind-shaped shrubs, with switchbacks on the steeper slopes. The effort earns a hillside overlook and a view of the coast. This open stretch is the best place to pause before the trail drops toward the shoreline; the overlook and the forest below give the route its change of scale.

The creek's boggy margins hold the plant that gives this section its name. In early spring, especially around March, its yellow flowers stand out among the ferns and damp green undergrowth. The trail threads between steep creek banks and forest before reaching the coastal end of the section.

Start at the Skunk Cabbage Trailhead on Robinson Road, just off Highway 101 near mile marker 122.69. The trailhead has auto parking, a vault or composting toilet, and an information kiosk. The north end is on Davison Road past the Gold Bluffs Beach entrance station, so set up the ride before you start. Bring your own water and food; none was listed at the trailheads. Pets are not permitted on park trails.